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UBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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IlIBRARY of COXdKESS.I 



f UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 






EULOaiUM 

COMMEMORATIVE 



OF 



GOETON T, THOMAS 



Lieutenant Colonel 22d Regiment, New York Voiunteevi 



DELIVERED 



KEF.jiF.VILLE. X. V.^ SEPTEMBKR 10. 13CJ, 



WINSI.OAV C, WATSON. 



BURLINGTOX 

r 11 E E P U E S S P I{ I N T 

1862. 




.5 



Hon. \V. C. Watsox, 

Dear Sir: — We the imdersigued request for puljlicatiou, 
the aljle and appropriats eulogy, delivered by yourself at the funeral of the 
late Col. Thomas who fell in tlio recent battle before Washingion, ai the time 
acting Brigadier General. 

In this request the Committee are joined )jy the oommunil}- generalh'. 
who listened with muoh interest to its delivery, and are desirous of copies 
for general circulation. 

H. A. HOUGHTON, 

W. W. KINGSLAND, 

W. MOULD, , ^ 

JAMES ROGERS, Committee 

SAMUEL AMES, , of 

•T. D. KINGSLAND, i 

L. S. SCRIBXER, \ Arrangements. 

THOMAS A. TOMLINSON, ) 

R. PRESCOTT. / 

Keeseville, X. Y., Sept. lOtli, 1862. 



Port Kent, Sept. Uth, 18G2. 

Gextleuex: — ^I very cheerfully eomi^ly with j^our request. You are all 
aware with what haste tlie productioii was necessarily prepared. But how- 
ever inadequate, it was a labor of love and is presented as a feeble memorial of 
the character and services of our lamented friend and neighlior. 
Yonrs trulv. 

W. C. WATSON. 
Dr. Houghtox .and others. 



FRELIMINAM PROCEEDINGS. 



At a nioeting by the citizens of Keescville ami 
the vicinity held at Aclirondac Hall, September 5th, 
1862, Henry A. Houghton, M. D., was called to the 
chair, and George A. Cleaves appointed Secretary. 

On motion, a committee to report Resolutions 
was appointed by the chair composed of the following 
persons, Jacob D. Kingsland, Peter Keese, Thomas 
A. Tomlinson, Wendall Lansing and WinsloAv C. 
VYatson, Jr., who reported the following resolutions 
which Avere unanimously adopted: 

Whereas, we, the citizens of Keesoville have heard with iiicxiiressihlc 
grief of the death of our townsman and friend, Colonel Gorton T. Tjiomas. ui 
the late bloody battle of " Bull Run :" 

Resolved That we desire, in this pu))lic manner, to recall with admira- 
tion the bravery and patriotism that induced Colonel Thomas, at the very 
dawn of this rebelhon, to forget all his political hostility to men and measures, 
and leavino- the comforts and luxuries of a happy home, to organize and lead a 
-ompany of onr fellow citizens to the defence of onr nation m its hour of peril. 

That we have admired the care and solicitude which he has exhibited for 
those under his command, and the patience and fortitude manifested while 
sharing with them all the toils, sufferings and privations of Ihc camp and 

field. , 1,1- 

iudthat when all the vexatious delays and counter marches, to whieii 
his corps was subjected, and which wore more galling to his impatient valor 
than the battle field itself, were over, and his constant prayer, to be ponmtted 
to meet at the head of his regiment and face to face the foes of that Consti- 
tution and that Union which ho loved best of all earthly things, was granted 
the heroic courage with Avhich he laid his life on Ins country s altar, shall 
never be forgotten by us. . 

That while we mourn the loss of Colonel Thomas to our co.mnunny ami 
to the nation, we would also express our heartfelt sorrow at the deatli ol our 
townsman Carlisle D. Beaumont, and of the bravo men under his command, 
who died in the same glorious cause on the same bloody field. 

Vnd that wo herewith tender to their families our earnest sympathy for 
their great bereavement ; and beg them to b^e comforted with the recollection 
that their heroic dead have died where bravo men choose to die. and that their 
memories shall live in all our hearts. 



Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the fami- 
lies of Colonel Thomas and Lieutenant Beaujiont, and also a copy to each of 
the papers in the Counties of Clinton and Essex for pul^lication. 

On motion It was 

Resolved, That it is recommended, that a committee of arrangements 
be appointed consisting of Wm. "W. Kingsland, Jacob D. Kiugsland, Willis 
Mould, Rufus Frescott, T. A. Tomlinson, W. C. Watson, Jas. Rogers, S.Ames, 
M. Finch, L. S. ScrilDuer, and II. A. Houghton, whose duty it shall he to con- 
duct and manage the funeral of the late Col. Thomas, to notify the citizens of 
neighboring towns of the tune and place of the funeral, and if consistent with 
the wishes and desires of the relatives of the deceased, it is recommended 
that the above committee make such arrangements as shall be necessary to 
secure the attendance of the militarj-now stationed at Rouse's Point, and that 
the burial of the deceased be conducted with militarj'- honors. 

H. A. HOUGHTON, Chairman. 

G. H. CLEAVES, Secretary. 



From ike Elizabeth Town Poi,t. 



FUNEEAL OF COL. THOMAS. 



The obsequies of the late Gorton T. Thoiiuis, Lieut. Colonel of the 22(1 
Reg'., N. Y. A'olunteers, were attoudetl on Wednesday, the lOtli day of Sep- 
tember, instant, at Keeseville, his native place, by an immense concourse of 
citizens and friends of the deceased. 

The ceremonies -were held in tlie Prcsliyterian Church in that village, 
which, though a very large building, was not sufficient to contain one lialf of 
the assembled multitude. 

The American Flag, draped in mourning, was displayed within the 
church, and enshrouded the coffin, upon which rested the sword and pistols 
of the departed hero. 

The exercises were in the following order: 

Introductory Prayer. B.cw Mr. llemenway. 

SINGTXG. 

Heading of ,';'eripiurc. Kcv. Mr. Hemeuway. 

Prayer. Rev. Mr. Thachcr. 



Remarks. Rev. Mr. Eigelow. 

Eulogimii. lion. W. C. "Watson. 

SINGlXtl. 
Prayer. Rev. Mr. Griffin. 

SINGING. 

The Procession tlieu Ibrnied, in which the citizens took tlu! lead, followed 
by the gentlemen who had been invited to participate in the ceremonies and 
whose names we give below: Lieuts. Donovan of the 69th, Moore of the I6th 
and Captain llindes of the 96th, taking position with thr mourners. 

.MARSHALS. 

W. W. KINGSLAND, assisted by SAMUEL AMES. 

CLERGV. 

Rev. Mr. Hcmeuway, Keeseville, Rev. Mr. Eigelow, Keeseville, 

Rev. Mr. Grilfin, Keeseville, Rev. Mr. Thacher. Peru. 



PALL BEARERS. 



Geo. Parsou.s, Sarauac, 
C. F. Norton, Plattsburg-h, 
L. Stetson, do 

P. G. Ellsworth, do 
P. S. Palmer, do 

Loring Ellis, Cadyville. 
J. B. Bailey, do 

Rufus Heaton, Rouse's Point, 
0. Kellogg. Elizabethtown, 
A. C. Hand, do 

K. S. Hale, do 

S. E. Hale, d-o 



G. W. Goff, Westport, 
James Rogers, Blackbrook, 
John Rogers, do 

Silas Arnold, Keesevillc, 



Peter Kecse, 
G. N. Iklacomber, 
Geo. Adgatc, 
Martin Finch, 
J. I). Kingslaud, 
E. Kingsland, 
T. A. Tomlinson, 
Chas. Thomas. 



do 
do 

do 

do 
do 
do 
do 
do 



Doct. H. A. Houghton, 

R. Preseott, 

L. S. Scribuer, 

W. Mould, 

B. H. Garfield, 

IT. N. Hewitt, 



W. C. "Watson, Jr., 
Geo. H. Cleaves, 
H. 0. Matthews. 
D. T. Vernam, 
Chas. Phillips. 
A. Riee. 



The remains were deposited in Evergreen Cemetery ; and Rev. Mr. He- 
meuway thanked the friends who had followed the deceased to the tomb, on 
behalf of the afflicted relatives, when the services were closed by the bene- 
diction pronounced by Rev. Mr. Thacher. 

The whole demonstration was a most imposing one, and rightly evinced 
the high esteem felt for the deceased in his personal character, not less than 
for the sacred cause in which he fell. 



EULUGV. 



We gather around the grave of the dead Hero 
and Patriot, with strangely mingled emotion. The 
tear will gush — nature will exact her tribute, but a 
bright halo irradiates the spot, dimming the terrors of 
death and disarming the grave of its victory. At a 
shrine like this, patriotism derives its inspirations ; 
and in such scenes our common humanity is ennobled 
and exalted. We are assembled to-day, my friends, 
not merely to spread garlands over this pall and to 
commemorate this holy offering to patriotism; but to 
render our tribute of love and affection to the memo- 
vy of the friend and neighbor, the man and citizem It 
is not my purpose, nor is this an appropriate occasion to 
discuss the causes which have demanded this noble 
victim. To this afflicted group Ave yield our sympa- 
thies and tears, wrung from aching hearts and sad- 
dened spirits ; but we can employ no adequate lan- 
sruas-e of consolation ; we can alone bear them upon 
our hearts and prayers to that fountain of love that 
is full of comfort and mercy. 



Gorton T. Thomas, was no ordinary man. His 
eminent qualities of character and his high intellec- 
tual properties would have stamped an impress of his 
influence upon any community. Had the peculiar 
affluence of mind with which nature endowed him, 
been equalled by the acquisitions of education, he 
might have aspired to a position among the eminent 
and potent names of our country. 

Possessing an intellect eminently clear and sa- 
gacious, his mental vision embraced a wide scope of 
thought and observation. Always calm and self pos- 
sessed, he grasped every subject familiar to his hab- 
its, with remarkable discrimination, keenness and 
vigor. His opinions were formed by strong convic- 
tions ; and we all remember with what clearness of 
reasoning and felicity of illustration he would enforce 
and defend them. Few ever questioned his integrity 
of character or purity of purpose. 

Born and nurtured in your midst, you are all 
familiar with his public and private history, and I 
need not delay you by an attempted portraiture of 
them. In whatever position he was placed, whether 
in public discussion, the legislative hall or the judicial 
seat, his influence was felt equally by the force of his 
moral qualities, and by his clear perceptions and the 
vigor of his practical wisdom. 

In his political relations, Colonel Thomas was 
attached to that party, which has been upbraided 
(with what justice I may not now discuss) for its ex- 
treme and jealous devotion to the constitutional rights 



of the South. My intimate personal and political as- 
sociations with him, in wliich we have so often for many 
years communed together in council, and mingled our 
sympathies, enable me to speak on thissubject with pre- 
cision and without hesitation. What these opinions 
were at a later period, and how much recent obser- 
vations may have strengthened or modified them, may 
be revealed in the letters before me, flowing as they 
did, from the fountains of his heart and mind in the un- 
guarded and free intercourse of confidential friendship. 
Thomas was an ardent and effective champion of 
the constitutional immunities of every section of our 
land, and every class of our citizens. He defended the 
rights recognized or guaranteed, as he believed, to the 
South by our national compact, when he thought them 
assailed or imperilled, with the same fervor and deci- 
sioa with wdiich he would have maintained his own 
personal privileges, or the prerogative of any other 
section of the Union. The constitutional dogmas 
which guided his course, were not of that grovelling 
and contracted charncter, which, while it was ■ bold 
and determined in the assertion of his own rights, 
would propose to violate those of a brother. His 
spirit was catholic and elevated in its sentiments and 
he embraced without qualification the whole Union in 
his love and felt his heart entwined with every sec- 
tion, by the bonds of fraternal affection, by all the 
thrilling associations of our common sacrifices, and 
by the memory of our common glories. And I doubt 



10 

not, (for I have the evidences before me) that with 
the same zeal and devotedness in which he has laid 
down his life in defence of the Constitution and na- 
tionality of his country, he Avould have rendered up 
the same exalted sacrifice in support of the immuni- 
ties of the South, had he seen them attacked by the 
arm of unconstitutional power and violence. But, 
to his judgment and the sensibilities of his patriotism, 
our national controversy assumed a new and far dif- 
ferent aspect, when the South abandoned their defen- 
sive position, no longer seeking legitimate protection, 
but by measures which disclosed the fruition of the 
matured and deliberate policy of years, they went 
beyond the pale of the Constitution, and assailed the 
very citadel of the constitution itself. Redress of 
their wrongs and injuries were attainable, he be- 
lieved, by constitutional means, and all the signs of 
the times indicated to his mind that it was within 
their grasp ; but embracing an occasion, that afforded 
no just cause or palliation for their act, they madly 
cast off their allegiance to the Union and laid sacri- 
legious hands upon the ark of our covenant. Now, this 
is a clear distinction, that addresses itself to the un- 
derstanding and patriotism of every man ; however just 
and magnanimous it might have been in a northern 
politician to assert and defend the immunities of our 
brethren of the south from our laws and government, 
neither that act nor any other obligation required or 
justified him in the following them in their career 



11 

of madness, out of the Constitution, or to aid or sanc- 
tion their insane assaults upon our national existence. 
Every instinct of patriotism revolts at a conception so 
unconstitutional and mistaken. 

The influence of early party sympathies did not 
veil from the keen mental vision of Thomas the hi- 
deous features of the hydra monster, that had sprung 
from the stagnant fens of Southern oligarchy and 
from the polluting machinations of a pestilent school 
of Southern politicians. He cherished a name of at- 
tachment to his former political associates, hut he 
loved far more his country, and above all earthly 
hopes and affections he loved, I believe, the union of 
our land. A States-rights man from principle and on 
conviction, he could discern no semblance to the linea- 
ments or proportions of those opinions in the perver- 
ted and distorted doctrines of secession. His clear judg- 
ment could not be deceived by the sophistical subtle- 
ties, Avhich attempted to impose a ruthless and detes- 
table heresy, as the legitimate offspring of a just prin- 
ciple ; and much less could his vigorous understand- 
ing and vigilant patriotism be beguiled by the trans- 
parent and frivolous fallacy, which was shamelessly 
announced, that although secession was unconstitu- 
tional, the government of the Union possessed no 
power to reclaim by coercion a rebellious member. 

Thomas could detect in this rebellion, no re- 
deeming element of truth or justice, no sanctity of 
honor or right, and no sanction from earth or Heaven. 
He could only recognize in it, the culmination of a 



12 

dark and traitorous scheme, which had been maturing 
and festering for more than a quarter of a century, 
and which now unfolded itself, shrouded in the 
blackest guilt, the most debasing frauds and the deepest 
treason. Traitors to their country, these men had 
been equally treacherous to the party which had con- 
fided in them ; which for long years had been their 
defender and supporter and had sacrificed political 
ascendancy by the maintenance of southern preten- 
sions. I will not pursue further this theme : less I 
could not have said in explanation, and if necessary 
to vindicate the course of my true hearted friend. 

On that dark and ill omened April day, that 
opened upon our prosperous and happy land the 
flood gates of such stupendous sorrow and desolation, 
of such woe and blood, Col. Thomas was reposing in 
calm retirement. No man occupied a higher place 
in the hearts and confidence of the people ; his broad 
acres spreading around his mansion in luxuriant 
beauty and fertility, with his teeming herds secured 
him independence and the comforts and blandishments 
of home and society. But suddenly, the tidings 
rushed upon the wings of lightning, that the Stars 
and Stripes had been outraged — that a fortress of the 
nation had been despoiled by hordes of rebel traitors. 
And the tocsin pealing from the capitol called the na- 
tion to arms ; to avenge our dishonored flag, and to 
preserve that holy heritage we received from our 
fathers, and which had been purchased by martyred 
blood like that which crimsons this coffin. 



13 



Had Thomas lived in the days of Lexington, ho 
would have left his plow in the furrow, as he rushed 
to the battle field of freedom. And now impelled by 
the same lofty impulses, for he felt, — nay he knew, 
that not only our own existence as a people, but the 
interests of freedom every where, were to be involved in 
the fearful conflict. His name was recorded, first 
I believe in the Valley of the Ausable, upon the roll 
of Patriots, who then consecrated their lives to their 
country, and resolved with their blood to assert the 
power and to prove the capacity of man for the exer- 
cise of a free representative government. 

Thomas girt od his sword in no vindictive spirit 
towards the South ; with no purpose of destroying 
those immunities with which they had been clothed 
by the Constitution ; but he obeyed a stern necessity 
in embarking in this war,— he dared not turn a deaf 
ear to the imperious behests of duty. He adequately 
comprehended the infinite issues of this conflict, not 
only as they affected his own land and the present 
age, but as they must influence the progress of human 
liberty through unnumbered ages. He entertained lione 
of the hopes or desires of "the summer patriot and 
the sunshine soldier;" for he clearly divined the pres- 
ages that foreboded scenes of blood and woe and de- 
solation. He saw the flames of the fiery ordeal our 
country was approaching; but beyond the smoke of 
the battle field and through the clouds and darkness 
which were descending like a heavy pall upon oui- 



14 

land, he discerned an aurora, the harbinger of a 
brighter day and a brilliant and auspicious futurity 
to the country : when the Constitution should have 
been vindicated, the laws enforced, our tarnished flag 
avenged, and the union resting upon the firm and un- 
alterable basis of the constitution, should be restored 
and invigorated. 

As no man embarked in this war from higher im- 
pulses or purer motives than Thomas, so no braver 
heart or more heroic spirit, moved upon its battle 
fields. He was from instincts and by intuition a sol- 
dier. A mind always calm and unruffled, a judgment 
decided and sagacious, a perception active and keen; 
and these ennobled by a personal courage that never 
faltered, and which flamed up amid the dangers and 
tumult of the battle in bright and glorious effulgence, 
combined to form the elements of the soldier and 
commander. 

We know that no officer of his rank was held in 
higher estimation by his superiors for his judgment 
and capacity ; and we are assured by compet en 
authority, that the government had determined even 
before his late services, to tender to Colonel Thomas 
the appointment of Brigadier General of Volunteers. 

The high estimate of his chivalric spirit was not 
confined to the circles of his own community, but I 
learn that it was no uncommon remark in the army, 
that " Thomas would return to his home a corpse or 
bearing a General's Star." His personal friends all 
felt gloomy premonitions of his early fate. When 



15 

from our correspondence I observed how restive 
was his spirit, and how he champed the bit that res- 
trained him from active service, I saw a presage of 
the sacrifice these rites comoiemorate. I perceived 
that a martial fire was blazing in his breast, that 
would impel him " to pluck honors from the cannon's 
mouth." In one of my latest letters I admonished him 
against presumption and urged the exercise of caution 
and discretion. He never replied to those sugges- 
tions. 

Here, I may appropriately pause to introduce a 
few extracts from the correspondence of Colonel 
Thomas. They are of interest in themselves, 
because they reflect his sentiments and opinions ; as 
they exemplify the remarkable grasp and vigor of his 
mind and the strength and eloquence witk which 
he was capable of unfolding his views. Although 
they need no apology, it is but just to remember that 
they were prepared amid the tumult and confusion of 
the camp. These letters were written in the freeness 
and candor of confidential intercourse, and were. only 
intended for the eye of friendship ; but his blood has 
sanctified the sentiments of the hero and patriot, and 
they now belong to history and his country. 

I read these extracts almost as my eye rests 
upon the page, for where every sentence, almost, is 
equally rich in interest and value there is little occa- 
sion for selection. 



16 

I quote from a letter, dated Fredericksburgh, 
June 20tli, 1862 : 

" You express wonder at the inactivity ot McDowell's Corps D'Armee. 
Our wonder has not been at our inactivity or supineness, but at the way wo 
have been handled. On the 25th of May, we had at this point the whole of 
McDowell's command, a force of over 40,000 men, and one of the finest corps 
d'urmee in the service. Our destination was understood to be Richmond, 
and had we been allowed to advance, that celebrated town would have been 
evacuated without firing a gun. The rebel Gen. Jackson had been ordered 
from Richmond, undoubtedly to make a dash on Banks and a feint upon one 
or two points west of the Blue Ridge, to attract sufficient attention to prevent 
McClellau being reinforced by our column. He did it in most splendid style 
and showed himself the equal if not superior of Fremont, Banks or Shields 
in military strategy. I think if Shields could have his own way ho would 
match him. He threw the whole Cabinet at Washington into a fever of ex- 
citement — called out the militia and has scattered our corps d'armee to the 
four winds of heaven. 

:J: ^ :}: * Hi :}c * ♦ =i'- 

"When the South fired the first gun in this rebellion, 1 had no desire to 
see it settled, until we had shown them, we were their equals both m the Cab- 
inet and field. We have never claimed superioritj-. , There are many here in 
A''irginia truly to be pitied. They voted against secession all the way through, 
but when she seceded tbey thought it their duty to go with her. This is 
State pride ; and something that you or I might ])e afflicted with under simi- 
lar circumstances." ****** 

" Their case may yield to kind and judicious treatment. The first experi- 
ence of subjugation is not of course the time for developing the most healthy 
symptoms. There are inconveniences and trials attending the presence of the 
best intentioned troops, irritating to a community. It is not strange that men 
whoso fine mansions have been converted into Head Quarters or Hospitals for 
sick and wounded soldiers, should fail^to see at a glance the blessings of re- 
union, the fatherl}'' love which is working them clear from the thraldom of se- 
cession tyranny. But we must remember that the patient always makes wry 
faces at the drugs working his cure, so wo must be of good cheer, hoping 
that the great mass of southern men will yet come to their senses and the 
Union be once more restored to good running order." 

I read a passage from a letter to his intimate 
friend Dr. Houghton, dated June 27th, 1862. 

" They arc for Virginia first, last and always. " State rights" has carried 
them into their present difficulties, but I fear will not extricate them. I have 
always been a state-rights man myself, but never carried the doctrine so 
far, as to believe any state had a right to break up the Union. When they 
started on this crusade against the Union they never believed we would fight. 
The South and particularly Virginia had been used to having their own way. 
In the election of Lincoln, they saw their power departing and made up their 
mind to resist. The wisdom of their course is now being tested and the peo- 
ple have now the opportunity of judging whether the mild and genial laws of 
our old Union are preferable to anarchy, confusion, l)loodshed and death. 
These are the legitunate fruits gathered by those who have laid their sacri- 
ligious hands npon the best government ever instituted by man." 



17 

To the same gentleman, Colonel Tiioma.s writes 
under date of July 15th. 

I am not much ol'a fault Under. ]{'I should say that our lirancli ul' llic 
army was mauaged properly 1 should saj- what I do not think. AVho is to 
blame, is another question. "What the result is at Richmond I do not know 
but I think we should have marched straight to that point. Shields, Frcmoul 
and Banks were sufficient to take care of Jackson Avithout our return. 

The great fault has been, as J think, tardiness of our uiovemeuls ever 
since the war commencod, aud I fear unless a diflerent policy prevails it will 
bo a long time Ix'fore the rebellion is crushed. Wounded pride v.-ill inakc 
them die hard." 

On the 22d February 1862, to Dr. Houghton, 
he utters this glowing language. i 

"We want to be let loose upon this grand rebel army in their cntrcucli- \ 

ments at Manassas and Ceiitrevillo — annihilate or take prisoners trie whole 
concern and end this war ni a blaze of glory; and teach Southern Chivalry 
that although it took ten months to wake up " the mudsills " of the Norlli, 
when once aroused they are more terrible than " an army with banners.'' 
How long ago was it, that the whole southern press, jubilant over a partial 
success at Manassas and Centreville, were calling on tiieir people to educ;ite 
and prepare their sons and daughters to govern the Avhole continent of Ame- 
rica, as recent developments had shown that the people of the North were in- 
competent to such a task. This siUj^ conceit should be thoroughly thrashed 
out of them, and they must be taught to speak of us in respectful terms, and 
admonished at least that we are their equals, if not superior, in every parti- 
cular." 

I will close these extracts by reading from a 
letter addressed to myself May 11th. After describing 
the occujDation of Fredericksburgh he continues : 

"It was no imcommou thiug to see some mother looking from hor win- 
dow with fear and apprehension, as the tears trickled down her pale cheek 
and her thoughts reverted to the trials and hardships and dangers of her 
darling son in the rebel camp. Little did she think that those passing so 
blithe and gay were her friends and all they asked of her son was to manifest 
his loyalty to the Union and they were ready not only to extend to him the 
right hand of fellowship, but light to protect him in property, person and every 
right to which man has a just claim." 

" To crush out the Rebellion is the first and great poiut. That l>oiug done, 
wc can regulate our governmental matters at our leisure." 

No one among us can have forgotten the extra- 
ordinary promptitude and zeal with which Thomas 
aroused our people and effected the enrollment of his 



18 

Company. They marched at an early period, anxious 
and struggling to secure an acceptance, which was 
questionable from the limited number of troops em- 
braced in the call of the Government. They were 
embodied with other Companies in the organization 
of the 22d Regiment New York Volunteers. Thomas 
by acclamation was elected Lieutenant Colonel of that 
Regiment ; and there exists no doubt of his having 
been offered a still higher position. 

It seems but yesterday, since that gallant band 
moved in procession through your streets, the recip- 
ients of an earnest and cordial ovation from the people. 
Those boys, who have afforded such an awful attesta- 
tion of their heroism and have redeemed so nobly the 
vows they on that day made, were then full of hope 
and joy and enthusiasm. Many a tearful eye and sad- 
dened heart watched their departure. I remember 
well, -^ when the first burst of the distant martial musio 
thrilled upon our ears, as they approached our little 
hamlet, how every nerve was impulsively strung — 
and how every heart bounded. Then we first felt that 
war was in our midst — ^that civil war had fastened its 
fangs'upon the vitals of our country. We too, gave 
them our plaudits and benedictions, and followed them 
with our tears and prayers — but those gallant fellows 
exhibited no signs of fear — no faltering. I observed 
only one instance of wavering, and that was in the 
homage paid to the tenderness of a wife; and I allude 
to the incident to illustrate the kindly feeling that 
tempered the brave heart of our lamented friend. A 



19 

woman, weeping and distressed, sought the discharge 
of her husband. Thomas rehict.antly granted the 
prayer, remarking in his peeuliar manner, " I never 
could stand a woman's tears." 

The 22d, after a detention of several weeks at 
Albany, moved on to the seat of war. Subjected to 
many privations, to laborious marches, to toilsome 
duties and harassing disappointments and humilia- 
tions, not until recently has it been employed in active 
service, or enjoyed the opportunity of achieving the 
distinction, to which it aspired from its material, its 
discipline and chivalric bearing. It unhappily was 
attached to a command, which has hung like a night- 
mare upon the fortunes of our armies. Only once 
did the 22d meet the enemy in actual combat, until 
that great battlefield, where it was immolated to the 
bloody Moloch of this relentless rebellion. Thomas, on 
that occasion in command of a Brigade, was advanced 
to repulse a' large force of the enemy, formed b}? a 
combination of the various arms of the service. The 
result was successful. His own conduct and the bravery 
of his troops were highly conspicuous. His boys with 
the enthusiastic ardour of young soldiers have sent us 
animated accounts of the gallantry of their beloved 
leader. 

Where now is that joyous and enthusiastic band 
of noble boys, who so lately traversed your streets 
buoyant in hope and ardent in purpose? There lies their 
fearless leader — while every officer of the Company 
is slain or wounded. Peabody, after gnllantly lead- 



20 

ing his command was stricken down by an honorable 
wonnd, but still lives. 

But Beaumont — the honest and true man, the 
warm hearted and genial associate — the impulsive 
patriot — the firm, cool and dauntless soldier, fills 
a bloody and we fear an unknown grave. The 
highest eulogium upon the conduct and bravery 
of Beaumont is exhibited in the fact, that the 
last knowledge we have of him after he assumed 
the command when Peabody was compelled by his 
wound to leave the fi.eld, was the shouting of his voice, 
above the din of the battle, animating his men and 
cheering them on in the thickest of the conflict. 

Beaumont fell, pierced by a ball in the thigh, 
which probably perforated an artery, as his body which 
was soon after recovered by his friends, was found 
stripped of its habiliments, — and dead. We will not 
forget his services, nor his bloody sacrifice : and his 
brethren of the mystic tie, will cherish his memory as 
perennial as the Acacia he loved with so much 
fervour. Pierson the accomplished successor of Beau- 
mont also lies in a soldier's sepulcher. Paro, Dunkly 
and Minnie we know slumber by their side. The 
heart chills, as we conjecture how many other familiar 
names, are yet to be enrolled in this catalogue of woe 
and carnage. 

Until now, our community have been compara- 
tively exempt from the direct infliction of the horrors 
and calamities of this war. A few hearths only among 



21 

US had been smitten by its direful ravages. We felt the 
throes of the distant earthquake; we heard the remote 
thunder, and saw the flashing of the lightning 
that scathed other homes ; but at length the thunder- 
bolt, charged with intenser fires, has fallen into our 
very midst. To us, this stroke is more appalling and 
devastating, not merely by its potency and vastness, 
but by its suddenness and from even the hope and 
feeling of exemption we had begun unconsciously to 
cherish. 

On Saturday the 30th of August, Col. Thomas 
having acted as Provost Marshal of Warrenton, 
marched out with the 22d and 14th N. Y. Vols, and 
32d Pennsylvania. He was ordered by Gen. McDowell 
to advance to a designated position and charge. He 
did advance, but saw no enemy. Pressing forward, 
he was accosted by a voice, exclaiming, " you Avould 
not charge upon your friends !" The column, distrust 
ing the source of their orders, for a moment hesitated. 
It would be unfitting in this place to reiterate the 
deep and burning imprecations of the survivors of that 
slaughtered band, upon the author of that order. 
Charity may impute the order to incompetency, but 
they with one voice ascribe it to a darker and a baser 
cause. 

Thomas at once perceived that his command had 
fallen into an ambush, with the foe in his front and 
the foe upon each flank. The Rebel leader demanded, 
c' what Regiment is that?" The reply wns, tlie 22d 



22 

New York. "Surrender, 22d New York" was the stern 
mandate. And then, in the spirit and ahnost kmguage 
which has gilded with immortal fame the memory 
of the Old Imperial Guard, Thomas shouted, "No, 
never," and his brave band re-echoed the spartan reply. 
Then ensued an awful conflict, in this valley of death, 
where they battled man to man, and breast to breast : 
in more than one instance the Union man and the 
Rebel dying together, pierced each by the bayonet 
of the other. 

The conflict was too unequal to last ; and that 
gallant Regiment was literally swept away. Company 
C, composed of our own noble fellows, gloriously 
bearing on that day the Regimental flag, was the 
target, as it has been expressed, upon which the whole 
fire of the enemy seemed concentrated, and it appears 
to have been almost extinguished in blood, or by 
capture. The Twenty-Second it is said went into the 
battle at least six hundred strong. At its close 
only three men were in its ranks, and when it was 
first mustered after the awful tempest had swept over 
it, only eighty answered the Roll call. Every oflicer 
of the Regiment in the field, except two, had fallen 
slain or wounded in the battles of Friday and Saturday. 

Justly may the British Laureate vaunt the glori- 
ous charge of England's six hundred heroes — and may 
we not with equal justice dedicate his strains to our 
own heroes : 



23 

Six liumli-ecl lurward — 
AVas tl'crc a man disnuiycd i 
Not, tho' tlio soldiers kuc\v. 
Some one had blundered : 
Theirs, not to make rcph-. 
Their «, not to reason ^vhy, 
Thei.-s, Ijut to do, and die, 
Into tho valley of death— 
Marched the 'six hundred. 

Cannon to right of them — 
Cannon to left of them — 
(Jannon in front of them 
Volleyed and thundered : 
Sto/mcd at ^vith shot and shell 
Boklly they marched and well — 
Into the ja\vs of death — 
Into tlie month of hell. 
Marched the six linndred. 

Cannon to rig-ht of them — 
Cannon to left of them — 
VoUeyed and thundered: 
Stormed at \\lth shot and shell, 
While horse and hero fell. 
They that had fought so -well 
Came thro' the jaws of death, 
Back from the mouth of Hell. 
All that was left of them— 
Left of six hundred. 

Col. Thomas received his wounds early in the action, 
but remained about twenty minutes after upon the field; 
and being- unable to manage his horse, was borne into 
the vicinity of Berdan's Corps, and by a happy and 
remarkable coincidence, was when falling from his 
saddle, received into the arms of two gallant young 
neighbors who were attached to that corps. They 
bore him from the field with all the care and tender- 
ness the circumstances permitted, until compelled by 
the anguish of his wounds he requested them to leave 
him in a log hut — where he was joined by his son and 
carried by him in a more comfortable vehicle to Wash- 
ington, bleeding copiously the long way from his 



24 

wounds. These were not considered dangerous, us it 
was supposed the ball, piercing his arm and side strik- 
ing and careering along a rib, had passed out at the 
back. Thomas on Tuesday evening in referring to the 
wound playfully remarked " it is a good thing that I 
have stout ribs." 

On Wednesday his family received intelligence 
of joy and consolation; and retired that evening in the 
fond and rejoicing hope, that the life of the husband 
and father was safe. But during the night, the mes- 
senger of woe arrived, and at an hour fitting the gloom 
and heaviness of his tidings. At two o'clock on Wed- 
nesday morning, Thomas had fallen into a calm slum- 
ber, but his eyes opened not again until the light of 
eternity beamed upon his vision. At about eight 
o'clock on that morning he died. The ball it was as- 
certained had passed directly through his breast, pierc- 
ing the lungs in its course. His death-bed was sur- 
rounded by the watchful care of friends and the tend- 
erness of those he loved. 

But, while we contemplate these spectacles of 
blood and anguish, shall our hearts tremble ? Shall 
we in a craven spirit, shrink from a glorious cause 
sanctified by sacrifices like these ? Let this scene rather 
inspire our enthusiasm and nerve our arms. Let us 
here, as at a holy shrine, upon the blood of this mar- 
tyred patriot, slaughtered by this fell Rebellion, 
renew our vows of patriotism, and afresh dedicate our 
blood and treasures, to the claims of f\m Union and 
Constitution. 



I feci that many a noble spirit pants to rush into 
the void creat-ed by these disasters ; and to avenge the 
blood of our kindred reeking upon the soil of treason. 

Those dumb mouths, from their gory lips, utter 
in silent eloquence an earnest and solenni invocation 
to every patriotic heart, to consecrate other lives to 
their country and the cause of freedom. Ah ! If that 
cold heart could again be enkindled by its wonted 
fires ! — could that nerveless body be aroused again, 
by the iron will that once guided it ; how readily the 
re-animated form would leap into the yawning gulf 
that severs the country he loved ; — if by a second 
sacrifice of his blood, he could restore the Union, and 
redeem his native land. But alas ! heroic spirit ! thy 
mission of patriotism is (dosed — but thy enthusiasm 
shall inspire other hearts ; and the sword which has 
fallen from thy palsied grasp, shall be wielded by 
other hands, in new fields of blood and glory, until it 
flames, amid the shouts of victory and the acclaims of 
a regenerated land. 

Man dies but once — fortunes perish at the thresh- 
old of the tomb — but what is life or fortune, com- 
pared with the effulgent glory that emblazons a death 
like this ? In the fullness of years he has fallen — in 
the vigor of manly strenght — no disease has wasted liis 
sinewy form, nor dimmed his eye, nor subdued his 
intellect. Thomas will repose in an honored grave ; — 
and a monument more imperishable than mar])le or 
brass shall be carved to his memory, upon the fleshly 
tablet of a grateful people's heart. 



26 

Who would not die thus ! I envy the cold and 
lifeless form that rests in yonder coffin. For my child- 
ren. I covet the glorious heritage that will spring 
from that gory shroud. 

Rest, then, gallant friend, in your bed of glory. 
Slumber calmly in your bloody cerement. 

If our union be indeed lost ! hd,ppy, thrice 
happy art thou, that thy mortal vision is closed to 
the contemplation of the horrid ruin ! But if God 
wills that our country shall arise from her humiliation, 
and be restored to her majestic proportions, towering 
among the nations, in her pride of place, — if that glori- 
ous banner you loved so truly, shall again float over 
a harmonious and united people; we will gather about 
your sepulchre bearing the incense of thanksgiving and 
praise, rendered by a grateful land, — we will ascribe 
to your blood, and the blood of patriots such as you, 
the glory of the mighty work. Your memory shall be 
embalmed in our hearts — your country will revere 
you — your name shall be inscribed in letters of living 
light upon the roll of fame, — your children, as with 
exultant pride they recount your deeds, with thei^' 
children's children, shall rise up and call you blessed 



k 



^s 




